Electronic Skin Patch for Real Time Monitoring of Cardiac Activity and Personal Health Management

ABSTRACT

A novel wearable electronic skin patch sensor device configured for the real time acquisition, processing and communicating of cardiac activity and other types of biological information within a wired or wireless network is disclosed. A system level scheme for networking the sensor device with client devices that include intelligent personal health management appliances, cellular telephones, PDAs, portable computers, personal computers, RFID Tags and servers is disclosed. The sensor device and the system enable distributed processing, archival and correlation of the biological information with biometrics, gastronomic information, user profiles and health factors that include height, weight, blood pressure and physical activity facilitating real time personal health management at any time and any place.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of Ser. No. 11/001,668 filedNov. 30, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

ABBREVIATIONS

Cellular Telephone is abbreviated as CT and Mobile Device is abbreviatedas MD. Intelligent Personal Health Management Appliance is abbreviatedas IPHMA Personal Health Management is abbreviated as PHM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the present invention is teaching novel intelligentappliances for measuring and/or monitoring various human bodyfunctions/parameters such as body weight, body girth, body height, bloodpressure and cardiac activity with the objective of further relating theacquired biological data with various other information including healthand gastronomic information.

The prior art of record does not teach the means for real timeacquisition of various biological data utilizing intelligent appliancesand additionally does not teach the means for relating the acquiredbiological data for correlation to specific items of foods ingested andvarious activities expended, including physical exercise, for providinga means for an individual to pro actively manage his/her own health. Thepresent invention teaches a novel method for real time personal healthmanagement of an individual by the individual him/her self or by theindividual in conjunction with a health professional located locally oracross the world such as on the Internet.

In order to get quality care from a health professional, significant andrelevant information about the individual/patient must be provided tothe health professional including the trends and history of variousbiological parameters. Often patients relate random information andsubjective opinions about the human condition without providingobjective data and data trends. Consequently, the un-structured and nonquantified information provided by the patient severely limits theability of the health professional to diagnose a health problem andfurther limits the ability of the patient to get quality care in realtime.

Therefore, there is a need for a new class of intelligent appliances,referred in here as intelligent personal health management appliancesthat enable the individual to personally acquire one or more types ofbiological information in real time, archive said information forco-relation with factors such as diet and other activities includingphysical exercise, for personal health management by the individualhim/her self or for personal health management in conjunction with aqualified health professional. The cost of quality health care isincreasing much faster than inflation in most countries and it isbecoming beyond the reach of a large segment of the world population.The ability to get access in real time to trained health professionalsand the amount of time that the health professional spends in examiningthe patient is woefully in adequate. Additionally, patients in certaingeographical areas do not have access to urgent care or to experts thathave the requisite training related to a specific problem. However, thepotential for wired broadband connectivity or wireless connectivity inmost areas of the world is realizable faster than the potential for thedeployment of qualified health professionals in non urban areas.

The present invention teaches novel methods and novel appliances forreal time data acquisition of biological information, for archiving saiddata for contemporaneous utility or for utility at a selected time, foranalyzing said data, for determining trends, for communication of saiddata to one or more health professionals and for comprehensive real timemanagement of the personal health of an individual in a cost effectivemanner in accordance with the quality/cost objectives acceptable to theindividual.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The old adage, “You are what you eat”, has increasing relevance today assignificant generalized correlations about the health of human beings inrelation to the ingestion of certain foods, medications and othermaterial such as alcohol, tobacco and non prescription drugs is beingpublished and continually updated by affirmation and or negation of theresults. However, this information is often confusing and conflictingand does not provide a clear cut means for personal utility to anindividual. In addition, there is a need for modifying the old adage toa new adage, “You are what you eat, how you behave and how you act”,since a significant body of evidence suggests that medications, smoking,prescription/non prescription drugs, physical activities, occupationalactivities, environmental factors, stress and other high risk behavioroften have a correlation to the physical and mental health of anindividual. The problem that urgently needs a solution is, how does anindividual take charge of his/her own personal health? How does anindividual get real time data about him/her self? How can the personaldata be compared for relevance to group data for a similar problem? Howcan the personal data be tracked in real time and over a short/longperiod of time for trends? And how can the individual make personalhealth management decisions by him/her self or in conjunction with thebest experts available locally or globally by leveraging thecommunication capabilities of intelligent appliances?

The present invention teaches novel methods and appliances to solvethese problems not addressed in the prior art. A new class ofintelligent personal health management appliances, hereafter referred toas intelligent IPHM appliances, wherein in personal health management isabbreviated as PHM, is disclosed. Various other important objectives ofthe present invention are also enumerated below. Other objectives maybecome apparent to those knowledgeable in the art and the invention isnot to be construed as limited to the specific objectives enumeratedherein:

A. System level scheme for networking intelligent personal healthmanagement appliances:

1. An objective of the present invention is an intelligent networkingscheme for connecting personal health management appliances by wired orwireless means with stationary devices, mobile devices, a local server,a central server and a network server for providing the capability forthe individual to manage different aspects of the individual's personalhealth in the home environment, office environment, institutionalenvironment or on the road including in a transportation environment.

2. An objective of the present invention is to identify an individualand an intelligent personal health management appliance by a pluralityof means, including by a unique identification number, by animbedded/external optically readable tag, by an external radio frequencyenabled RF ID Tag, by an internal to the human body radio frequencyenabled tag and other identification methods; and use saididentification methods in a comprehensive manner in conjunction with anubiquitous mobile devices such as cellular telephones, PDAs and othermobile devices for personal health monitoring and management.

3. Another objective is to uniquely identify the individual byspeech/voice recognition, photo, finger print and other biometricidentification methods to ensure that the health information acquired isuniquely and securely related to the specific individual in real timefor accurate personal health management. The biometric and otherpersonal information is secured and made available with permissionlevels set by the individual by means of a secure server such as anescrow server.

4. Another objective of the present invention is to enable the mobiledevices such as cellular telephones, PDAs and other mobile devices toperform the additional functions of one or more selected personal healthmonitoring, health delivery and health management functions by havingsaid measurement, monitoring and delivery capabilities built-in or byworking in conjunction with other stationary/portable intelligentpersonal health management appliances.

5. An object of the invention is to utilize a mobile device such as acellular telephone, PDA and other mobile devices configured with anintelligent keyboard system or similar capabilities to acquire variousbiometric information including a photo, finger print, voice print,retinal scan, handwriting recognition and other authentication methodsused singly or in selected combinations to authenticate the individualuser or other healthcare providers for operation in conjunction with anintelligent personal health management appliance. The biometric data andother health information are enabled for maintenance on a secure serversuch as an escrow server.

6. Another objective of the invention is to configure an intelligentpersonal health management appliance with an intelligent keyboard systemor other similar implementations to authenticate the user(s) using oneor more selected authentication schemes that include voice/speechrecognition, hand writing recognition, photo recognition, finger printrecognition, retinal scan recognition, associated RFID Tag recognitionand associated mobile device recognition to enable the selected levelsof authentication used singly or in combination; further ensuring thatthe secure user specific data bases are protected for authorizedread/write and access by authorized individuals with permission levelsset by the user.

7. Another objective is to use an RFID Tag associated with theintelligent personal health management appliance by itself or inconjunction with an RF ID Tag associated with the individual user, suchthat the information necessary to seamlessly operate the intelligentappliance for the specific benefit of one or more users is accomplishedwith the elimination of manual data entry resulting in the real timedata being read from/written to various appliances, RF ID Tags, mobiledevices, stationary devices and servers and their respective storage anddatabases by wired and or wireless means.

B. Intelligent weight measurement appliances:

The present invention also teaches an intelligent appliance formeasurement of human body weight in conjunction with related softwareresident within the intelligent weight measurement appliance itself,within a mobile device, within a stationary device, and within a serverfor real time personal health management.

8. An objective of the present invention is an intelligent appliance forthe measurement and acquisition of human body weight in real time or atselected times with the ability to communicate by wired or wirelessmeans the acquired data of human body weight and other parameters to acentral server and or a mobile device.

9. Another objective of the present invention is for the intelligentweight measurement appliance to perform various selected functions inconjunction with the personal health management software resident withinthe intelligent weighing appliance itself or on a local, central andnetwork server or a combination thereof, enabling the individual byhim/her self or in conjunction with a selected health professional, tomanage one or more aspects of the individual's personal health in aselected manner and at a selected time.

10. Another objective of the present invention is a method for relatinghuman body weight of a specific individual to other information relatedto the specific individual, said information including gastronomicinformation such as the ingestion of various foods, medications andother items, and further including various activities such as physicalexercise that the individual has engaged in.

C. Intelligent appliances for real time measurement of the electricalactivity of the heart and for obtaining an ECG, electro cardiogram ofindividuals:

11. An objective of the present invention is to enable astationary/portable mobile intelligent personal health managementappliance for electro cardio gram, ECG measurement wherein themeasurement signals are acquired via leads and the user is identifiedwith an associated RF ID Tag from which information is read includingthe ability to write ECG information to the RF ID Tag. The intelligentECG appliance further has the ability to be networked with otherservers/mobile devices/intelligent appliances and additionally enablingcorrelation of the ECG information with other information includinggastronomic information.

12. An object of the invention is an intelligent ECG appliance as inobjective 11 above except that in this case there are no wired leads andinstead a series of wireless contacts are used to acquire and transmitthe signals to the intelligent ECG appliance or otherappliances/devices/servers.

13. An object of the invention is an intelligent ECG appliance as inobjective 11 above except that in this case the mobile device such as acellular telephone, PDA or other mobile devices acquire the signals forthe ECG measurement through wired leads and either process the signalswithin the mobile device itself or in conjunction with a remote ECGappliance. The mobile device is enabled as simply a pass through deviceand or has the software and processing capability to provide an electrocardio gram in real time.

14. An object of the intelligent ECG appliance as in objective 13 aboveexcept that in this case wireless contacts are used to acquire thesignals from the body in conjunction with a mobile device that isproximately located.

D. Intelligent appliances for real time measurement of the electricalactivity of the heart and for delivering a defibrillation electricalenergy pulse to individuals:

15. An object of the invention is to enable delivery of defibrillationenergy pulses to the heart in by wired or wireless contacts inconjunction with a mobile device that provides the electrical energypulses.

E. Intelligent appliances for real time measurement of the bloodpressure and pulse rate of individuals:

Certain individuals are characterized by low blood pressure and othersmore commonly suffer from high blood pressure also known ashypertension. Blood pressure is also a function of various other factorssuch as anxiety, moods, depression and other factors. Blood pressure isgenerally controllable by moderating certain activities both physicaland mental. More importantly blood pressure is controllable bymoderating the ingestion of certain foods. As an example individualswith high blood pressure can control the condition by limiting theintake of salt, fatty foods, by exercise and by generally controllingthe body weight. High blood pressure if untreated by proper diet,exercise and or medications may cause strokes that in some cases arefatal. There is a need for an intelligent appliance that provides theindividual, the real time means for monitoring and controllinghypertension in conjunction with other factors such as the ingestion ofdifferent types of food.

16. An objective of the present invention is a wired/wireless bloodpressure measurement appliance with the ability for the measurement ofblood pressure levels at selected times/time intervals, the tracking ofthe measured data, the comparison of the measured data with priorhistory and the correlation of the blood pressure levels with differenttypes of foods ingested and the activities. The blood pressuremeasurement appliance having the ability for making a measurement, forprocessing/storing of the software and information in the unit itself,in a server or a combination of the unit and the server.

17. Another objective of the present invention is the capability forconfiguring a mobile device such a cell phone, a PDA and other mobiledevices for the additional functions of a blood pressure measurement,wherein the mobile device, including with appropriate attachmentsperforms said functions in a standalone manner, with other attachmentsand or in conjunction with a local, central and network server.Additionally, having the ability to correlate the measured bloodpressure levels with one or more other data such as the medicationsingested, food ingested and different types of activities.

F. Intelligent appliances for real time measurement of body girth:

18. An objective of the present invention is an intelligent appliancefor measuring the girth or circumference of the waist of a human body inreal time, wherein the measured values are stored within the intelligentappliance or communicated to a mobile device, a server and otherappliances

19. An objective of the present invention is to relate the measuredgirth values to gastronomic information, physical activity such asexercise, medications and other medical conditions

G. Intelligent appliances for real time measurement of body height:

20. An objective of the present invention is an intelligent appliancefor measuring the height of a human body accurately, wherein themeasured values are stored within the intelligent appliance orcommunicated to a mobile device, a server and other appliances.

21. An objective of the present invention is to relate the measuredheight values to body mass index, gastronomic information, best dietsfor controlling the growth in height, optimal diets for controllingweight and other physical conditions for a given value of height,physical activity such as exercise, medications and other medicalconditions.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention:

FIG. 1 shows a system level scheme for networking of one or moreintelligent appliances as represented in the prior disclosure by thecommon inventors, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,789 and U.S. Pat. No.6,480,587.

FIG. 2 shows a system level architecture for wired or wirelessnetworking of intelligent personal health management appliances, whereinthe appliance is able to operate in a standalone manner or inconjunction with an RF ID Tag, a mobile device, a local server, acentral server, an escrow server and a network server utilizingprocessing, storage, software and databases contained therein.

FIG. 3 shows a system level architecture for wired or wirelessnetworking of an intelligent personal health management appliance formeasuring and tracking the weight of humans, animals and variousmaterials including edible and inedible materials. The appliance is ableto operate in a standalone manner or in conjunction with an RF ID Tag, amobile device, a local server, a central server and a network serverutilizing processing, storage, software and databases contained therein.

FIG. 4 shows a system level architecture for wired or wirelessnetworking of an intelligent personal health management appliance for anelectro cardio gram, ECG, evaluation of the heart. The appliance is ableto operate in a standalone manner or in conjunction with an RF ID Tag, alocal server, a central server and a network server utilizingprocessing, storage, software and databases contained there in; thesystem herein using electrical wires/leads and paste on connectors forobtaining electrical signals through the skin.

FIG. 5 shows a system level architecture for wired or wirelessnetworking of an intelligent personal health management appliance for anelectrocardiogram evaluation of the heart. The appliance is able tooperate in a standalone manner or in conjunction with an RF ID Tag, alocal server, a central server and a network server utilizingprocessing, storage, software and databases contained there in; thesystem herein using paste on wireless connectors with the ability totransmit the acquired electrical signals remotely via a transmitterattached to each connector.

FIG. 6 shows a system level architecture for wired or wirelessnetworking of an intelligent personal health management appliance for anelectrocardiogram evaluation of the heart. The appliance is able tooperate in a standalone manner or in conjunction with an RF ID Tag, alocal server, a central server and a network server utilizingprocessing, storage, software and databases contained there in; thesystem herein using electrical wires/leads and paste on connectors forobtaining electrical signals through the skin. Additionally, in thisscheme a device such as a cellular telephone/mobile device is enabledfor providing an ECG, electro cardiogram of the heart activity.

FIG. 7 shows a system level architecture for wired or wirelessnetworking of an intelligent personal health management appliance for anelectrocardiogram evaluation of the heart. The appliance is able tooperate in a standalone manner or in conjunction with an RF ID Tag, alocal server, a central server and a network server utilizingprocessing, storage, software and databases contained there in; thesystem herein using paste on connectors with the ability to transmit theacquired electrical signals remotely via a transmitter attached to eachconnector. Additionally, in this scheme a device such as a cellulartelephone/mobile device is enabled for providing an ECG, electrocardiogram of the heart activity.

FIG. 8 shows a system level architecture for wired or wirelessnetworking of an intelligent personal health management appliance formeasuring blood pressure/pulse rate. The appliance is able to operate ina standalone manner or in conjunction with an RF ID Tag, a local server,a central server and a network server utilizing processing, storage,software and databases contained there in; the system herein using astandard cuff and inflation/deflation or a paste on blood pressure/pulserate sensors with built-in transmitters for transmitting the dataremotely of the appliance. Additionally, in this scheme a device such asa cellular telephone/mobile device is enabled for providing real timeblood pressure measurement and monitoring.

FIG. 9 shows a system level architecture for wired or wirelessnetworking of an intelligent personal health management appliance formeasuring the girth of an individual. The appliance is able to operatein a standalone manner or in conjunction with an RF ID Tag, a localserver, a central server and a network server utilizing processing,storage, software and databases contained there in.

FIG. 10 shows a system level architecture for wired or wirelessnetworking of an intelligent personal health management appliance formeasuring the height of an individual. The appliance is able to operatein a standalone manner or in conjunction with an RF ID Tag, a localserver, a central server and a network server utilizing processing,storage, software and databases contained there in.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

For example, the embodiments that follow relate to a networkingarchitecture, a system and apparatus for enabling personal healthmanagement in conjunction with different intelligent appliances that aremobile and or wireless, but are intended to include stationary units aswell, such as personal computers (PCs) and stationary intelligent andnon intelligent appliances; wherein as an illustration a non intelligentappliance is enabled with an external wireless capability and externalnetworking capability by means of attachments and other methods.

Further, the personal health management inquiry or request can be in anyform of intelligence, such as key entries from a keyboard, voice in anylanguage, graphics such as a key click on a graphic page, mouse clickson a view, or even tactile responses or depressions of a foot pedal.Required translations, such as from one language to another or from atactile entry to a voice command, are made automatically.

As another example, personal health management is enabled in conjunctionwith one or more types of information including user profiles, applianceprofiles, gastronomic information, one or more personal and/or commondatabases, storage, processors and software resident on one or moredevices/servers located within the device itself, a local server, acentral server, a network server or located across a network includingthe Internet. The architecture system and apparatus may have otherapplications, for example in ahospital/institutional/professional/transportation environment, and theembodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes and are notto be construed as limiting the present invention.

The present invention is a personal health management system comprisingof various types of intelligent personal health management appliancesthat are designed and used for specific personal health managementapplications. The intelligent personal health management appliances areused in a standalone manner or in conjunction with various gastronomicinquiry and information systems, since the health of an individualgenerally pivots around the ingestion of food, ingestion of othersubstances, physical activities and mental activities.

The intelligent personal health management appliance is configured forthe real time acquisition of various data related to the individual,storing the acquired data within said appliance and or on a centralserver, displaying the selected information on said device or anotherdisplay device, making an information inquiry including health factorsand gastronomic factors to an information server having a personalhealth and gastronomic database. The present invention includesdisplaying a response to the inquiry related to personal health andgastronomic information from the information server/central server onthe selected display device including the intelligent personal healthmanagement appliance.

The present invention also includes sending a personal health and or agastronomic inquiry from the intelligent personal health managementappliance/display device to the information server, preparing theselected personal health/gastronomic response to said inquiry on theinformation server, and receiving the response to the inquiry from theinformation server with an intelligent personal health managementappliance and other devices that include a cellular telephone/a mobiledevice.

A preferred embodiment includes formatting the personalhealth/gastronomic response to the selected inquiry on the displaydevice, and displaying the formatted personal health/gastronomicresponse to the inquiry on the display device and storing/retrievingsaid information on one or more databases located on the intelligentappliance itself, on a mobile device such as a cellular telephone,personal digital assistant, lap top computer, other mobile devices,stationary devices and one or more servers such a local server, acentral server, a network server and a escrow server.

The escrow server securely stores personal health and other informationand provides access to the selected information to selected/permittedindividuals/entities at the selected times using permission schemes andauthentication schemes as defined by the individual. The escrow serverfurther provides that the underlying permission/authentication schemesare not generally made available to authorized individuals/entities andare executed by the escrow server without revealing or compromisingsensitive personal information or the specifics thereof.

In the present invention a user selecting an action to be performed bythe intelligent personal health management appliance/a mobile device ora stationary device connects to a central server/other intelligentpersonal health management appliances of the present invention by wiredor wireless means. The central server receives the request for theaction, and parses the necessary information to service theinformation/action request. Reference to the central server is intendedto include one or more other servers such a local server, a networkserver and an escrow server. Any information may be parsed, but willnormally include identification (ID) of the user, specificidentification information related to the intelligent personal healthmanagement appliance, the servers and other devices; information aboutthe selected input/output formats selected, communication protocolsselected, language, the basis or type of the action, the number ofactions desired, and any parameters that may be pertinent.

The parameters involved may include, for example, inputting a limit onthe values for a comparison, such as a limit on a selected healthparameter by itself or in relation/conjunction with other parametersincluding gastronomic parameters. As an example of a parameter, anaction related to the intended ingestion of a certain type of food mayresult in a warning upon comparison with a health parameter specific tothe individual such as the cholesterol level.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a mobiledevice such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, lap topcomputer and other mobile devices for enabling the control of one ormore intelligent personal health management appliances and servers, forinitiating a selected query/action using the user preferred input/outputmethods, displaying a response to the inquiry from the informationserver/other intelligent appliances on the display device/mobiledevice/intelligent personal health management appliance.

The preferred embodiment includes sending the inquiry from the displaydevice/mobile device to the information server. The preferred embodimentalso includes preparing a response to the inquiry on the informationserver. The mobile device is used for receiving the response to thepersonal health management inquiry from the information server with thedisplay device/mobile device. The preferred embodiment includesformatting the response to the personal health management inquiry on thedisplay device/mobile device/personal health management appliance, anddisplaying the formatted response to the personal health managementinquiry on the display device/mobile device/intelligent personal healthmanagement appliance.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention a mobile devicesuch as a cellular telephone, PDA or other mobile communication devicesare additionally enabled for performing one or more functions of anintelligent personal health management appliance. As an example acellular telephone is enabled for performing the functions of a bloodpressure measurement/monitoring appliance for providing real timecontrol over the blood pressure level of an individual, especially inconjunction with the real time ingestion of the various foods ingestedby the individual and the physical/mental activities related to theindividual.

Similarly, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, forexample a cellular telephone with the appropriate wired or wireless skincontacts is enabled for performing the functions of an ECG, electrocardio gram appliance such that the individual is either continually orat selected time intervals/times obtaining his/her ECG profile andtracking the ECG profile in conjunction with the food, exercise andother activities for real time management of personal health byhimself/herself or in communication/association with a selected healthprofessional.

The novel embodiments and teachings of the present invention will bemade clear in conjunction with the figures and the descriptions:

FIG. 1 shows a system level scheme for networking of one or moreintelligent appliances/devices as represented in the prior disclosure bythe common inventors, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,789 and U.S. Pat. No.6,480,587. The system uses an inside wired or wireless communicationpath, a mobile device such as an intelligent keyboard 10 having centralcommunication, command and control capabilities for voice and datainformation; a multi-channel multiplexing transmitter/receiver 20 forenabling communication using a plurality of communication protocolsbetween one or more devices internal to the communication environmentand one or more devices external to the environment such as a networkserver 30; wherein the system further comprises of one or moreintelligent appliances/devices 42, a PC/central server 35, an outsidewired or wireless communication path and a network server for enablingone or more selected communication, command and control tasks using amobile device such as an intelligent keyboard that has the ability tooperate with one or more selected input/output methods including astandard keyboard, touch screen, display, voice, sound, speech, graphicsand other methods.

FIG. 2 shows a system level architecture for wired or wirelessnetworking of intelligent personal health management appliances, whereinthe intelligent personal health management appliance is able to operatein a standalone manner or in conjunction with an RF ID Tag, a mobiledevice, a local server, a central server and a network server utilizingthe processing, storage, software and databases contained therein.Specifically, the teaching is explained in detail for clear andunambiguous teaching. Additionally, the extensive detailed descriptionis intended for limiting repetition later on with reference to otherfigures of the present invention as the architecture and system as shownin FIG. 2 is generally applicable to other figures:

The individual 210, is central to the system and represents the personseeking to manage one or more aspects of his/her own personal healthincluding the means for obtaining information, for managing theinformation and for taking the selected action at the selected time. Theindividual is enabled for uniquely identifying himself/herself by aplurality of input/output means including voice, speech and text in oneor more languages, a unique user ID number, a unique password, biometricmethods and other methods.

In a preferred embodiment the individual 210 is uniquely and seamlesslyenabled for identification and communication by means of a radiofrequency RF ID Tag 220, said RFID Tag containing selected informationrelated to the specific individual 210 including selected medicalhistory and other pertinent information. Further the RF ID Tau 220 isenabled for wearable applications such as on a wrist band, a badge, andother means; and for implanted applications wherein the RF ID Tag 220 issubcutaneously implanted within the selected anatomy of the specificindividual 210 for seamless operation in conjunction with the specificindividual. The RF ID Tag 220, its relationship to the individual 210,and the ability of the individual to select and set the desired featuresof the RF ID Tag is represented by the communication and control path212. The RF ID Tag 220 communicates by wireless means throughcommunication path 221 with the intelligent personal health managementappliance/device 200, with other external servers and other personalhealth management appliances through communication path 222 and with themobile device through communication path 211. The RF ID Tag 220comprises of an RF ID Tag profile including information related to theRF ID Tag itself and the individual user, said information beingresident within the RF ID Tag itself and/or within a user specificdatabase maintained within a central server, within an intelligentpersonal health management appliance and within a central server. Thecommunication and retrieval means for accessing the user and RFIDspecific information is represented by the path 235.

The wired or wireless communication path 270 enables connection betweenone or more intelligent personal health management appliances 1 throughN, such as 240, 241, 242; one or more stationary and server devices suchas a stationary device 250, a personal computer PC 252, a local server254, a central server 256, a escrow server 258 and an Internet server260. The communication path 250 enables the stationary device 250 toconnect with the communication path 270. Similarly, the communicationpath 253 connects the PC 252, the communication path 255 connects thelocal server 254, the communication path 257 connects the central server256, the communication path 259 connects the escrow server 258 and thecommunication path 261 connects the Internet server 260. Thecommunication methods and protocols may be same or disparate.

Connectivity between intelligent appliances/devices/mobiledevices/servers utilizing same and/or disparate communication protocolsis enabled by means of one or more enabling devices such as a multichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver or a similar function devicenot specifically shown in FIG. 2 and other figures of the presentinvention but shown in FIG. 1 and incorporated herein by reference toFIG. 1. Additionally, an multi channel multiplexing transmitter/receivermay be included within each intelligent appliance, each intelligentdevice, a stationary device, a mobile device and servers for enablingcommunication using one or more channels of communication of saidcommunication device. The multi channel multiplexingtransmitter/receiver is incorporated, as applicable, to the architectureof the present invention for a system and apparatus for intelligentpersonal health management by reference to FIG. 1. Additionally, anintelligent keyboard system may be included in each intelligent personalhealth management appliance for acquiring biometric inputs and forauthentication of said biometric inputs within the appliance itself orin conjunction with a central server and or a mobile device. Theintelligent personal health management appliance may also contain aunique RF ID Tag for seamless identification purposes.

The communication path between the intelligent personal healthmanagement devices/appliances and the communication path 270 is enabledfor same or disparate communication methods and communication protocols.The communication path 243 connects intelligent personal healthmanagement appliance 1 to communication path 270. Similarly, thecommunication path 244 relates to personal health management appliance 2and the communication path 245 relates to the intelligent personalhealth management appliance N. The personal health management appliances240, 241 and 242 may perform similar functions as the personal healthmanagement appliance 200, but are preferably intended for performingvaried and distinct functions that may be different from the intelligentpersonal health management appliance 200 for enabling the individual 200to manage a full spectrum of personal health management activities. Asan example the intelligent personal health management appliance 200 maybe a blood pressure monitor, the intelligent personal health managementappliance 240 may be a ECG monitor, the appliance 241 may be a bloodglucose monitor and the appliance 242 may be for measuring weight.

The present architecture/system enables each intelligent personal healthmanagement appliance/device to operate with a common communicationprotocol or a plurality of separate communication protocols that arespecific to the selected device, such as Ethernet, Bluetooth, 802.xx andothers protocols enabling seamless connectivity and operation. Referringto FIG. 1, one method for enabling contemporaneous communication on oneor more channels of an intelligent appliance/device is by incorporatinga multi channel multiplexing transmitter/receiver within theappliance/device itself or external to the appliance/device and withinthe communication environment enabling seamless communication using oneor more inside line paths and one or more outside line paths.

The architecture and system of the present invention leverages thecommunication, computation, command and control capabilities for voiceand data information of a mobile device, such as a cellular telephone, apersonal digital assistant PDA, a laptop computer and other mobiledevice, transportable devices and stationary devices for acquiringselected information and for executing selected actions at a selectedtime in a standalone manner in conjunction with the processing power,storage, software and data bases resident therein; or in conjunctionwith the processing power, storage, software and data bases residentwithin a personal computer PC, a stationary device, a local server, acentral server, an escrow server and an Internet server or a combinationthereof.

Mobile communication devices such as cellular telephones, PDA and laptopcomputers are increasingly becoming ubiquitous but with limited utilityat the present time such as mostly for voice communication and limiteddata communication. The present invention in novel ways increases theutility of a mobile communication device for a host of applications notconceived in the prior art. The present invention leverages theinput/output capabilities of a mobile device for applications inpersonal health management and for enabling a new class of intelligentpersonal health management appliances wherein the mobile device itselfmay be configured as an intelligent personal health managementappliance/device, or can be used in conjunction with externalattachments, can be used in conjunction with other appliances/devicesspecifically designed for intelligent personal health management andused in conjunction with a central server. The preferred embodiments ofthe present invention and the use and utility of the mobile device willbecome readily apparent with reference to FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the cellular telephone/mobile deviceabbreviated herein as CT/MD 230, comprises of an antenna 231, akeyboard, a display including a touch screen display, a processor,storage, software and enabling electronics including one or moretransmitter/receivers. The CT/MD additionally may include a multichannel multiplexing transmitter/receiver, not shown in the figure, orother implementations for enabling contemporaneous communication ofvoice and data on one or more input and output channels of the mobiledevice. The CT/MD 230 communicates with the communication line path 270and the servers, by means of the wired or wireless communication path234, wherein the communication protocols on line path 234 may be same ordifferent than the communication protocols of line path 270.Additionally, the CT/MD 230 communicates with one or more intelligentpersonal health management appliances, 240, 241 and 242 using the wiredor wireless communication path 233. The individual/user 210 associatedwith the CT/MD 230 controls the CT/MD using the path represented by 211.The RF ID Tag communicates with the CT/MD 230 by communication path 212.

Referring now FIG. 2, particularly the functional block represented by282, the information related to the CT/MD 230, referred in here as themobile device profile includes the mobile device telephone number,mobile device electronic identification EIN number, mobile IP number,and other information that uniquely identifies the specific unit and itsattributes. The mobile device software and software revisions,processing capabilities, storage and data bases resident within theCT/MD 230 are additionally shown in 282 for illustrative purposes asinformation that additionally describes the CT/MD 230. Further asillustrated in 282, the CT/MD 230 comprises of one or more user profilesrelated to one or more specific individual users and the associated RFID Tag profile information related to a specific individual thatincludes selected identification, medication, medical information andemergency response information. For example the User profile maycomprise of user ID, RF ID, user medical history, user dietary andgastronomic preferences, safety and emergency response information. Inaddition user specific databases are maintained within the CT/MD 230 andor the server.

Similarly referring now FIG. 2, particularly the functional blockrepresented by 283, the information related to the servers is such asthe server profile, server ID, server software, server processingcapabilities, server storage and data base capabilities are described.The server maintains general databases and user specific databasessecurely with defined permission levels for accessing this information.Additionally the servers maintain user ID, user profile and RFID Tagprofile and RFID Tag related information.

Once again similarly referring now FIG. 2, particularly the functionalblock represented by 280, the information related to the specificintelligent personal health management appliance/device 200, such as theappliance profile, appliance ID, appliance software, processingcapabilities, storage and data base capabilities are described. Theappliance 200 maintains general databases and user specific databasessecurely with defined permission levels for accessing this information.Additionally, the appliance, 200 maintain user ID, user profile and RFIDTag profile and RFID Tag related information. The path for accessingsaid information is represented by internal/external line path 206.

Once again referring to FIG. 2, a schematic representation of anintelligent personal health management appliance 200 showing variousenabling elements contained therein is illustrated. The appliance 200comprises of a touch screen enabled display and or a standard non touchscreen enabled display 204 for the purposes of input/output of data,audio, video, voice including still images and graphics. Theinput/output/controls 203 enable the appliance 200 to be used inconjunction with one or more selected input and output methods thatinclude as an example voice, speech, text, in one or more languages, keyor touch sensitive methods and other methods as preferred by the user.The appliance 200 further comprises one or more measurement andinformation acquirement mechanisms specific to a selected applicationsuch as for measuring weight, measuring blood pressure, measuringelectro cardiogram activity of the heart and so on.

The appliance 200 comprises of one or more processors that areapplication specific or general purpose in nature, appropriate internalstorage, user specific data base capabilities, software relevant for aselected application, and specific mechanisms/electronics that enablethe selected operation of the appliance. The appliance 200 is uniquelyidentifiable by one or more methods such as mobile IP, static IP, deviceID, RF ID associated with the specific appliance wherein said RF ID isenabled by embedded or attachment means to the appliance 200. Theappliance 200 further comprises of one or more antennas, one or moretransmitters/receivers for enabling single channel or multi channelcommunication on one or more inputs/outputs of the appliance 200.

The appliance may be enabled with a multi-channel multiplexingtransmitter/receiver or other implementations for communicatingcontemporaneously on one or more input/output channels using one or moreselected communication protocols.

The Communication path 208 enables communication between the intelligentappliance 200 and one or more other intelligent appliances such as 240,241 and 242. The embodiments described for the intelligent appliance 200are for illustrative purposes and specific intelligent appliances mayinclude all the features illustrated herein or may include additionalfeatures or less features and should not be construed as being limited.

The present invention utilizing the architecture and system asillustrated in FIG. 2 enables a range of varied intelligent appliancesfor specific and distinct applications relevant to personal healthmanagement and other applications. This would be apparent in conjunctionwith the other figures and the detailed descriptions related to each ofsaid figures:

Referring now to FIG. 3 in detail, an intelligent personal healthmanagement appliance for the measurement of weight 300, comprises of afunctional block 304 enabling display, audio, video, data and voice, afunctional block 303 enabling selected input/output and controls, afunctional block 302 enabling the measurement of weight in one or moreselected units of measurement and a functional block 301 enablingcommunication by wired or wireless means using one or more antennas, oneor more transmitters/receivers with confirming/authentication of theappliance identification of both the send and receive appliance/device.A wired or wireless communication path 306 and 308 enablingcommunication of the appliance 300 with a wired or wirelesscommunication path 370 that includes the capability to communicate witha plurality of other intelligent personal health management appliances340, 341 and 343; and communication with a stationary device 350, apersonal computer 352, a local server 354, a central server 356, anescrow server 358 and an Internet server 360.

In addition the intelligent appliance 300 is enabled for communicationwith an RF ID Tag 320 associated with the individual user 310 viacommunication path 321. The RF ID Tag 320 is controlled by theindividual 310 by control path 312 and said RF ID Tag is enabled forcommunication with the communication path 370 via the communication path322.

A communication device such as a cellular telephone/mobile device CT/MD330 that communicates with the RF ID Tag 320 via the communication path311 and 312 and 370. The CT/MD 330 enabled for communication with theintelligent personal health management appliance for the measurement ofweight 300 via the communication path 332, for communication with one ormore servers via communication path 334 and 370; and for communicationwith one or more other intelligent personal health management appliances340, 341 and 342 via the communication path 333 and 370.

The functional blocks 380 relates to the intelligent appliance 300specific information and secure user specific information including RFID and CT/MD ID associated with the individual 310 and user specificweight log maintained within the a\intelligent appliance 300. Thefunctional blocks 382 relates to the CT/MD 330 specific information andsecure user specific information including RF ID associated with theindividual 310, a user profile and user specific weight log, exerciselog and other logs maintained within the CT/MD 330. The functionalblocks 384 relates to the server specific information and secure userspecific information including RF ID associated with the individual 310,mobile device 330 specific information, and user 310 specific weightlog, exercise log and other logs maintained within the servers/devices350, 352, 354, 356, 358, and 360. A plurality of user specific andsecure databases, are enabled on one or more servers in addition to useragnostic databases as shown in 384.

EXAMPLE 1 Manual Input of User Identification in Conjunction with WeightMeasurement

Individual 310 wishing to measure and track his/her body weight uses theintelligent weight measurement appliance 300. Upon activation theindividual selects a desired input method such as a user ID number orvoice activation method, including speech recognition, for identifyingthe user as a specifically identifiable person 310 and for selecting adesired action. The appliance 300 recognizes the individual 310 bycomparing the input value against the database of identifiable usersmaintained within the intelligent appliance 300 and/or maintained on oneor more servers and a mobile device 330 associated with the individual310.

The measured value of weight of the individual 310, as expressed in theselected measurement units such as pounds or kilograms is recorded inreal time within a user specific weight log/a user specific databasemaintained within the intelligent appliance 300. Alternately, theinformation is also recorded in real time or at a selected time in oneor more data bases maintained within a mobile device and a selectedserver. The database maintains other relevant information such as thedate, time, user ID and the exact value of the weight. The intelligentappliance 300 is enabled for output such a display on the intelligentappliance 300 or a voice output of the measured value, information aboutflags such as a weight limit. Alternately, the measured values andanalysis thereof such as trends is enabled locally or remotely includingon a mobile device CT/MD 330 or on an external display/stationary device350.

EXAMPLE 2 Using an Implanted or Wearable RF ID Tag as a PrimaryIdentification Means

In this embodiment, upon activation such as standing on the intelligentappliance 300, the intelligent appliance 300 reads and recognizes thespecific individual, as individual 310 by communicating wirelessly withthe RF ID Tag 320 and determining the user specific informationcontained within the RF ID Tag 320. The user is enabled for selection ofthe desired weight measurement and other actions by one or more inputmethods as illustrated in Example 1.

The measured values and other related information is enabled forcommunication from the intelligent appliance 300 by wired or wirelessmeans to the RF ID Tag 320, the mobile device CT/MD 330, otherintelligent appliances 340, 341, and 342; and one or more stationarydevices/servers 350, 352, 354, 356, 358 and 360. The weight measurementinformation and other information is enabled for real time utility orfor archival in a database and for utility at a selected time inconjunction with a selected intelligent appliance device/servers.

EXAMPLE 3 Using a CT/MD as a Primary Identification/Control Means andfor Transportable Archival of Information

A mobile device CT/MD 330 is associated uniquely with a specificindividual 310 creating one to one identification scheme between theindividual and the mobile device enabling the real time recognition ofthe individual/the user profile via the mobile device. As in example 2above, the user is enabled for activation of the intelligent appliance300 by manual input means, by voice/speech means, by touch screen means,by RF ID Tag means and or by a mobile device means using other methods.A mobile device CT/MD 330 is enabled for communication with theintelligent appliance 300 by wired or wireless communication means. Theuser using the CT/MD, manually or by automatic means, selects thedesired actions of the intelligent appliance 300 and causes the measuredvalue of weight and other information to be communicated back in realtime to the mobile device 330, to the RF ID Tag 320, to a stationarydevice 350, servers 352, 354, 356, 358 and 360; and other intelligentappliances 340, 341 and 342 for real time utility or for archival withinone or more databases for contemporaneous use or use at a later time.

EXAMPLE 4

The intelligent weight measurement appliance and other intelligentappliances are additionally configured with an intelligent keyboardsystem enabling the acquisition of biometric authentication informationsuch as finger print, voice print, retinal scan, hand writingrecognition and other information. The acquired biometric information isauthenticated within the intelligent appliance itself, authenticated inconjunction with a RF ID Tag, authenticated in conjunction with a mobiledevice and or a server such as a central server/escrow server.

Obesity is increasingly becoming a silent killer and has become one ofthe most life threatening conditions. Obesity is closely correlated withthe types of foods ingested, the quantities ingested, and the frequencywith which the foods are ingested; and obesity is also related with thelevel of activity such as exercise and stress. The present inventionteaches a comprehensive and novel method for measuring and tracking bodyweight in real time and for correlating the body weight to otherparameters.

The ability to measure and archive different types of informationrelating to one or more parameters such as weight, blood pressure,exercise and the different types of foods ingested and other gastronomicinformation is invaluable for determining various user specific trendsand correlations; for comparing information related to the specificindividual with other similar/dissimilar demographic groups, forinformed decision making, and for intelligently managing an individual'spersonal health in real time. The present invention teaches a novelintelligent appliance for measuring body weight and for using saidinformation seamlessly using a communication device such as cellulartelephone/mobile device.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in this particular embodiment an intelligentpersonal health management appliance for acquiring an electro cardiogram, ECG of the heart is illustrated. This intelligent ECG appliance400 comprises of one or more antennas 405, a connector slot 407 forplugging an external consolidated cable 422 that provides electricalsignals through a lead consolidator 423, wherein the individual leadsnumbering 1 through 10/N are consolidated into one cable bundle for easyplug in to the intelligent appliance 400. For illustrative purposes tenleads are shown but the number of leads may be more or less depending onthe specific application. Typically for a standard ECG ten leads areused and at times 12 leads are used for improved resolution andinformation. The leads 421 are wired and are attached to equivalentnumber of paste on connectors 420. The paste on connectors 420 arepasted on the skin at different locations of the torso, on the front andback to acquire electrical signals generated by the heart of theindividual 430 through the individual's skin. Additionally, theintelligent ECG appliance 400 comprises of a functional block 404 thatenables display of graphics, data and other information, a functionalblock 403 that enables selected input/output methods and control, a ECGmeasurement functional block comprising of one or more processors,storage, software and databases.

The measurement system electronics converts the analog electricalsignals acquired from each lead to digital data for generating anelectro cardio gram of the heart in conjunction with the signalprocessing capability of one or more processors. The electronics furthercomprises of a plurality of A/D converters or analog to digitalconverters and as needed some D/A converters or digital to analogconverters, enabling the conversion of the acquired analog electricalsignals for further processing by the measurement electronics. Theprocessed information is displayed as an electro cardiogram depictingthe electrical and physical activity of the heart from variousperspectives for determining the health and condition of the heart. TheECG is enabled for display on the intelligent ECG appliance itself or onan external display 471 or on a stationary device. Further the ECG isenabled for printing on an ECG printer 470 or other remote printers.

The intelligent appliance 400 additionally comprises of one or moretransmitters/receivers 401 enabling the unit to communicate using one ormore communication protocols with other devices and servers throughcommunication path 406 and 460. A RF ID Tag 450 is used for uniquelyidentifying the individual. The RF ID Tag 450 contains user specificinformation including user ID and other medical information. Theintelligent ECG appliance communicates with the RF ID Tag 450 via thewireless communication path 451 to acquire the selected information andis also enabled for writing selected information onto the RF ID Tag 450.The RF ID Tag 450 communicates with other devices and servers throughcommunication path 452 and 460.

The intelligent ECG appliance is enabled for communication with otherintelligent appliances 480, 481 and 482 and with a local server 473, acentral server 490, an escrow server 491 and an Internet server 492, viathe communication paths 406 and 460. The intelligent ECG appliance 400is enabled for acquiring information from one or more databases residenton other devices/servers and for storing information onto saiddatabases. The intelligent ECG appliance 400 is enabled for use instationary and portable applications.

The ability of the individual to obtain an ECG profile of the heart at aselected time and in a selected location is critical to getting timelyattention and for survival. In this embodiment the critical informationincluding the heart medications and emergency instructions are enabledby the RF ID Tag and or the mobile device; the information is readilyavailable remotely and is enabled for use in conjunction with otherhealth factors such as blood pressure, diet and exercise tocomprehensively manage the individual's total health over time orinstantaneously under emergency conditions.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in another embodiment of the present inventionrelating to the heart, an intelligent personal health managementappliance for acquiring an electro cardio gram, ECG of the heart isillustrated utilizing paste on contacts configured with wirelesstransmitters instead of wired leads. In the prior art, the design anduse of wireless skin contacts that acquire electrical signals andtransmit said signals wirelessly to a remote device/server is notdisclosed.

The intelligent ECG appliance 500 comprises of one or more antennas 505,a connector slot 507 for plugging an external consolidated cable orother external inputs. The paste on wireless contacts 520, numbering 1through N are pasted on the skin at different locations of the torso, onthe front and back to acquire electrical signals generated by the heartof the individual 530 through the individuals skin. Each paste onwireless contact 520 is configured with the electronics needed foracquiring the electrical signal from the skin, for processing saidelectrical signal internally within the wireless contact system andwireless transmitting the electrical signals from each contact locationon the body to the ECG appliance 500 and or other appliances/servers.

Wireless Contacts with Transmitters/Receivers:

The detailed functioning of the wireless contacts 1-N is illustrated byfurther reference to the functioning of a typical wireless contactsystem of the present invention as shown in the block diagram 522 ofFIG. 5. The wireless contact system 522 comprises of a flexible contactbacking 523 that may be made of plastic, rubber or some other materialthat fits the contour of the specific location of the body at which thecontact is pasted on. The contact backing 523 is coated with aconductive adhesive 526 such that the electrical signals picked up fromthe skin 527 are conducted via the metal nub 524, which is a part of thecontact backing 523, and on to the electronic assembly 525. The metalnub 524 attaches to the electronics assembly 525 which includes theelectronics for acquiring and processing the electrical signal and thetransmitter/receiver including an antenna 528, or alternatively it mayinclude the transmitter only or the receiver only depending on thespecific application. The assembly further includes a battery thatprovides the required power. Whereas the contact backing 523 is easilydisposable and used only once per patient the electronic assembly 525may be repeatedly used with new contact backings 523. Consequently inthe present invention a wireless contact system is enabled to alleviatethe problems associated with unwieldy multiple leads hanging fromseveral body locations.

The electronics assembly 525 is enabled to acquire and transmit theanalog electrical signal acquired from the skin to the remote ECGappliance 500 and or other appliances/servers as analog transmissions.Alternately, the electronics assembly 525 converts the acquiredelectrical signal to a digital form using one or more analog to digital,A/D converters located within the wireless contact system 525. Thevarious wireless contacts 520, namely contacts 1-N, wirelessly transmitsaid original electrical analog signal/converted digital signal remotelyof the paste on contacts 520; and when in detail viewed for a specificwireless contact 522 via the electronic assembly 525, usingcommunication path 521, to an intelligent ECG appliance 500, otherintelligent appliances 580, 581, and 582, a mobile device such as acellular telephone and or one or more servers 573, 590, 591 and 592. TheECG appliance 500 is enabled to process the signals received using itsown on board electronics and software to render an electro cardio gramof the individual's heart in conjunction with the software residenttherein. The communication protocols for transmit/receive using wirelesscontacts 520, 522 and the electronic assembly 525 may be enabled withcommunication protocols that would not interfere with the functioning ofthe heart and or other intelligent appliance. The ECG appliance 500 maybe configured with a multi channel multiplexing transmitter/receiver orother implementations that enable the appliance 500 to contemporaneouslytransmit and or receive data using multiple wired or wirelesscommunication protocols on one or more channels of the ECG or otherintelligent appliances.

Additionally, the wireless contact system and its associated electronics525 of the present invention may receive a digital or analog signal froman external source and use said analog signal directly or convert theanalog signal to digital, convert the digital signal to analog andcombinations thereof The system 522 of the present invention is intendedto include a low power battery power source and in selected applicationsa safe voltage line power, for enabling the wireless contact assembly525 to function.

Additionally, the system 525 of the present invention may also include abattery power source that may provide a controlled high voltage or highenergy pulse of a fixed or variable intensity and time duration for oneor more related and or other applications such as in performing thefunctions of a defibrillator.

The intelligent ECG appliance 500 comprises of a functional block 504that enables display of graphics, data and other information, afunctional block 503 that enables selected input/output methods andcontrol, a ECG measurement functional block comprising of one or moreprocessors, storage, software and databases.

In the case where the analog signal is received, the ECG unit 500 systemelectronics converts the analog electrical signals acquired from eachwireless contact to digital data for generating an electro cardio gramof the heart in conjunction with the signal processing capability of oneor more processors resident within the system 500. The electronicsfurther comprises of a plurality of AID converters or analog to digitalconverters and as needed some D/A converters or digital to analogconverters, enabling the conversion of the acquired analog electricalsignals for further processing by the measurement electronics. Theprocessed information is displayed as an electro cardiogram depictingthe electrical and physical activity of the heart from variousperspectives for determining the health and condition of the heart. TheECG profile as a graph or in other forms is enabled for display on theintelligent ECG appliance itself or on an external display 571 or on astationary device/mobile device. As an example, with a 12 point wirelesscontact ECG study, the pertinent information that may be recorded anddisplayed is aVR, V1, V4 on one graphical line, aVL, V2, V5 on anothergraphical line, aVF, V3 and V6 on another graphical line, and V5 onanother graphical line wherein the symbols and representation relates tothe activity of the heart at several regions of the heart and itsefficacy. Further the ECG is enabled for printing on an ECG printer 570or other remote printers.

The intelligent appliance 500 additionally comprises of one or moretransmitters/receivers 501 enabling the unit to communicate using one ormore communication protocols with other devices and servers throughcommunication path 506 and 560. A RF ID Tag 550 is used for uniquelyidentifying the individual. The RF ID Tag 550 contains user specificinformation including user ID and other medical information. Theintelligent ECG appliance communicates with the RF ID Tag 550 via thewireless communication path 551 to acquire the selected information andis also enabled for reading only and or writing selected informationonto the RF ID Tag 550. The RF ID Tag 550 communicates with otherdevices and servers through communication path 552 and 560.

The intelligent ECG appliance is enabled for communication with otherintelligent appliances 580, 581 and 582 and with a local server 573, acentral server 590, an escrow server 591 and an Internet server 592, viathe communication paths 506 and 560. The intelligent ECG appliance 500is enabled for acquiring information from one or more databases residenton other devices/servers and for storing information onto saiddatabases. The intelligent ECG appliance 500 is enabled for use instationary and portable applications without the individual having towear leads that limit motion or get tangled. Often there is a need forobtaining an ECG at rest and under exercise stress test. The wiredcontacts or leads of the prior art are a significant impediment inexercise stress test such as on a tread mill. Similarly the leadspresent a problem in the event an MRI, magnetic resonance imaging isperformed in conjunction with radio isotope injection and imaging suchas in a myocardial perfusion heart study.

Additionally a mobile device such as a cellular telephone havingsignificant processing, storage and data base capabilities is enabledfor use as a portable ECG machine. The mobile device is configured withthe requisite number of AID converters to convert the electrical signalsreceived from the wireless contact 520. In the case wherein the mobiledevice is not configured with on board A/D or analog signal conversioncapability such as a standard mobile device, in that case the paste oncontacts with a wireless transmitter configured with on board analog todigital conversion capability within said assembly 520 is utilized.

Defibrillator Implementation:

While a specific figure for a defibrillator application is not shown toavoid repetition, it is enabled with specific reference to FIG. 5. Thedefibrillator function is enabled by providing electrical energy of aselected energy/power level/voltage/current level or intensity deliveredfor a selected duration upon sensing certain patterns of undesirableheart activity wherein said undesirable heart activity necessitates anexternal delivery of a controlled electrical energy pulse forstimulating a selected heart activity. The defibrillator function isenabled by an intelligent defibrillator appliance that operates in amanner similar to the functions of an intelligent ECG appliance with theadditional capability of providing external electrical stimuli via forexample a wireless contact system pasted on various locations of thetorso. The electrical stimuli are delivered in conjunction with theintelligent defibrillator device or the mobile device performing theadditional functions of an intelligent defibrillator appliance. Thecontrol actions for providing real time stimuli to the heart ofelectrical pulses, is enabled by the intelligent defibrillator applianceby itself or in conjunction with an external server/intelligentappliance where the protocols appropriate for the specific individualare resident. The defibrillation actions are controlled in conjunctionwith the real time ECG data for providing a comprehensive real timesolution to the individual suffering from abnormal or life threateningheart activity/myocardial infraction. Additionally, by continuouslywearing the paste on wireless contacts that can provide the electricalimpulse needed, the individual is instantaneously able to get real timeattention/action using a specifically designed wearable intelligentdefibrillator appliance or a combination of an intelligent ECG plusdefibrillator appliance. Further the mobile device such as a cellulartelephone or other wearable mobile devices can be configured with theappropriate power sources and the software for performing the additionalfunctions of an intelligent defibrillator appliance specificallytailored to the individual.

Referring now to FIG. 6 in detail, there is a real need for utilizing acellular telephone/mobile device as an ECG machine/appliance or as anintermediary device that transmits/receives the ECG data and resultsfrom a stationary or portable ECG appliance. The ability of theindividual to obtain an ECG profile of the heart at a selected time andin a selected location is critical to getting timely attention and forsurvival. Getting attention within 10 to 20 minutes of a heart attack iscrucial beyond that the chances for survival diminish significantly.

Hence there is a need for the individual to quickly communicate his/herlocation and or discover the location of the nearest health carefacility that has the requisite cardiac care facilities and otherfacilities. The mobile device that the individual is carrying on theperson is enabled to provide the exact location of the individual inconjunction with the global positioning system, GPS server 693 of thepresent invention. In addition the system is enabled to provide thedirections and estimated travel time to/from the health care facility tothe specific RF ID Tag/mobile device/individual.

Often individuals can not discern/differentiate heart burn and otherconditions related to diets from an adverse heart condition.Consequently, there is a need for enabling a mobile device 610 toperform the functions of a mobile/portable ECG machine or amobile/portable defibrillator and for also keeping track of the foodsingested in real time.

For the sake of brevity, the essential elements of FIG. 6 are similar toFIG. 4 and are inferred by reference to FIG. 4, except that in thisconfiguration a mobile device 610 is used as a mobile ECG appliance andor as an intermediary appliance/device for transmitting the data to aremote ECG machine 600 and or other intelligent appliances/servers. Themobile device is also used for receiving data from other sources andgenerally for two way or multi way communications with one or moreintelligent appliances/servers using one or more channels ofcommunication available on the mobile device.

In this configuration the wired leads 621 are used with paste onconnectors 620. The leads are consolidated by 624 and are plugged intothe mobile device 610 via the socket 623. The mobile device 610communicates by wired or wireless means with the remote ECG appliance600, other intelligent appliances 680, 681 and 682; servers 673, 691,692 and the global positioning server GPS server 693; the externaldisplay 671 and the external printer 670.

Additionally, the individual is enabled to use key inputs includingmacro key inputs/voice commands including macro voice commands and thedisplay for viewing the results locally. The ECG results are thusutilized locally or remotely by a health professional via a server. Theindividual is uniquely identifiable by voice/speech pattern recognition,RF ID, finger print, retinal scan and other methods, where in saidprivate biometric authentication information is maintained on the escrowserver 691, which securely authenticates the individual withoutproviding the base data to other servers and entities maintaining a veryhigh level of security and privacy. The user/or some other individual inthe event of incapacitation such as a heart attack, simply pastes theconnectors on the indicated locations on the body of the individual,plugs the leads/lead consolidator into the socket 622 of the mobiledevice and initiates the ECG by taking detailed actions through key pad,voice or touch screen command means.

Alternately, a macro command such as by pressing a single key is enabledfor obtaining a quick ECG. In the event of sudden disability the fingerprint of the individual may serve as a macro command for obtainingemergency response specific to the individual in conjunction with theknowledge of the specific location of the individual via an escrowserver and a GPS server respectively. The individual may establish onthe escrow server a sequence of emergency action protocols/emergencyauthentication protocols such that the needed actions pre defined by theindividual for different events are initiated either voluntarily by himor involuntarily by him/others.

Mobile Device operating as an ECG appliance/as an intermediary appliancefor communication with a remote ECG appliance in conjunction with pasteon Wireless Contacts:

Referring now to FIG. 7, the essential elements of ECG system aresimilar to that of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, with the cellular telephone/mobiledevice 710 being used in this configuration for obtaining the ECGlocally of the individual 730 and or the mobile device used as anintermediate communication device for communicating with a remote ECGmachine 700 and other intelligent appliances 780, 781 and 782/servers773, 790, 791, 792 and 793. An RF ID Tag 750 is associated with theindividual 730. The mobile device communicates by wired or wirelessmeans through communication path 712 and the wireless contacts 720communicate with the mobile device 710 via wireless communication path721. The ECG machine 700 has a socket for plugging in leads if needed.Thus the mobile device is enabled for use with leads and without leads.An external printer 770 and an external display 771 are available inaddition to the display 714 of the mobile device.

The application is enabled by the innovative means of a wirelesscontacts 720 having the means for transmitting the acquired analog orconverted digital signals to a wearable ubiquitous device such as acellular telephone, for processing within the mobile device, fortransmitting the ECG information in real time to hospitals and healthprofessionals for prompt and timely attention; and more importantlydifferentiating between a real heart attack and a simple heart burncaused by acidity and the ingestion of foods that cause heart burn.

In this novel scheme of the present invention, the individual is enabledto wear the wireless contacts all the time on and at the indicated bodylocations as defined by the health professional for continuousmonitoring of the ECG, continuous transmission of the ECG data to aremote health professional, or wear the wireless contacts on an asneeded basis. This scheme of the present invention enables theindividuals who are prone to myocardial infractions to have full rangeof motion without the restriction of the leads of the prior art andprovides the freedom to travel with the secure knowledge that theindividual is continuously or at periodic intervals is being monitored.

According to present estimates nearly 50% of the emergency visits toemergency rooms are for gastric distress and not for real heart attacksor other myocardial infractions. Thus being able to track in real timethe foods ingested, the activities indulged in andcontinuously/periodically monitoring the heart activity by means of anECG using a cellular telephone/mobile device either configured for theadditional functions of an ECG appliance, specifically designed anddesignated for the purpose of serving as a mobile ECG appliance inconjunction with wireless contacts of the present invention provides theuser full range of mobility and freedom to travel. The range of travelcan also be monitored continuously by the central server, a GPS serveror other intelligent appliances to ensure that the individual is withinthe range of a selected/prescribed distance/travel time from a healthcare facility.

Intelligent Appliances for Measurement of Blood Pressure:

Referring now to FIG. 8 in detail, an intelligent personal healthmanagement appliance 800 for the measurement of blood pressure of thepresent invention comprises of a the functional block 804 enablingdisplay, audio, video, text and data; a functional block 803 enablingone or more inputs/outputs and control functions; a functional block 802comprising of the mechanical systems, electrical/electronic systems,processors and storage for enabling the measurement of blood pressure,processing of the data and for the storage of the data in a selectedmedia contained within the intelligent appliance itself; a functionalblock comprising of the means for identification and authentication ofthe intelligent appliance itself and other intelligent appliances, andan antenna, transmitter/receiver and the extended antenna shownexternally as 805. The intelligent blood pressure measurement andmonitoring appliance 800 communicates by wired or wireless means usingone or more channels of inputs/outputs via communication path 806 and860 with one or more peripheral devices such as the blood pressureprinter 870, the external display 871, the local server 873, otherintelligent personal health management appliances 880, 881, 882, thecentral server 890, the escrow server 891, the internet server 892 andthe global positioning server 893. The intelligent appliance 800 furthercomprises of a port 807 for directly plugging in a blood pressureacquisition system 820 which comprises of a dial/display for indicatingthe measured value of the pressure in an analog or digital formatlocally within the system 820 and or on the intelligent appliance 800;cuff 821 wherein said cuff is enabled for wrapping around the arm 823 orsome other appendage of the human body of the individual 830 forexerting selected and controlled amount of pressure on the blood vesselsand reading the blood pressure upon steady state exertion of pressureand the release of said pressure in a selected manner by manual means bysqueezing/releasing the bulb 822. Alternatively and optionally thesystem 820 comprises of an automatic means for exerting and releasingthe pressure in a controlled manner in accordance with the directionsand under the control of the intelligent appliance 800. In anotherfeature of the alternate and optional configuration of the system 820,the system 820 comprises of the mechanical, electronics, power supply,transmitters and receivers for receiving control instructions from theintelligent appliance 800, for applying the selected pressure on the armfor a selected time, for reliving the pressure in a selected manner andfor measuring a systolic/diastolic blood pressure value and transmittingsaid data to the intelligent appliance 800 by wireless means from thesystem 820 so that the system 820 does not have to be plugged directlyinto the intelligent appliance 800 thus providing the individual withincreases degrees of motion. The intelligent blood pressure measurementand monitoring appliance 800 is optionally enabled for receivingcollateral inputs related to other human body data from one or morepaste on wired/wireless sensors 825, pasted on the individual 830.

The individual may choose to wear an implantable or external RF ID Tag850 that uniquely identifies the individual 830 and the data related tothat specific individual. The RF ID Tag 850 communicates by wired orwireless means via communication path 851 with the intelligent bloodpressure measurement appliance 800 and by communication path 852 withother servers, stationary/mobile devices 810 and other appliances. Themeasured values of the blood pressure related to the individual 830 andthe times/locations at which said blood pressure values were measured isadditionally/optionally enabled for being written onto the RF ID Tagthus providing a real time history that is very valuable for personalhealth management. The above detailed intelligent blood pressuremeasurement appliance has great utility in stationary and portableapplications such as in a home, hospital or for wearable applicationsfor continuous monitoring and control.

In another novel embodiment of the present invention, the mobile device810 such as a cellular telephone, PDA or other devices are enabled toperform the functions enumerated for the intelligent blood pressuremeasurement appliance 800 obviating the need for carrying a separateequipment. In this embodiment of the present invention, the mobiledevice is configured with a plug in port similar to the port 807 on theintelligent appliance 800. Alternately the mobile device 810communicates by wired/wireless means 815 with the transmitter/receiverand electrical/mechanical systems of the unit 820 to control the system820 and acquire the blood pressure measurement values. The mobile devicecomprises of an antenna 811, a keyboard 813 and a display 814. Themobile device is enabled for communication by wired or wireless meanswith another intelligent blood pressure appliance such as appliance 800and other servers via communication path 812. The measured bloodpressured values are enabled for processing/storage within the mobiledevice itself or on one or more servers.

The above detailed descriptions of the present invention with specificreference to FIG. 8 enable the individual to utilize a specificallydesigned intelligent blood pressure/pulse rate measurement appliance 800or a ubiquitous communication device such as a mobile device forperforming the additional functions of blood pressure measurement. Themeasured blood pressure values are stored in one or more locations suchas on the mobile device itself, on a central server or other databasesenabling comprehensive health management of the individual by theindividual or by the individual in conjunction with a healthprofessional. Blood pressure is related to the ingestion of differenttypes of foods and therefore the measured vales of blood pressure arenow capable of being related to other data contained in one or moredatabases resident within the mobile device and the servers enablingreal time personal health management. In addition, blood pressure varieswith anxiety and other activities and mental conditions. The system andapparatus of the present invention enables different types of data to becorrelated. In a similar manner, system is also capable of measuring andmonitoring the heart pulse rate of the individual. While detaileddescription has been provided for the measurement of blood pressure, itshould be readily apparent that the heart pulse rate is a collateralmeasurement and is included by reference.

The embodiments of the present invention enable the acquisition of theblood pressure and pulse rate of the individual continuously or atselected times and selected time intervals since the intelligent bloodpressure/pulse rate measurement monitoring equipment is wearable or is amobile device such as PDA, cellular telephone. Additionally, the globalpositioning features enable the measured values to be related toaltitude, altitude changes and other geographical variables providingeither data or alerts that are tailored to the specific individual,his/her food habits, medications, physical and mental conditions andprior history.

Intelligent Appliance for Measurement of Girth:

Referring now to FIG. 9 in detail, an intelligent personal healthmanagement appliance 940, for the real time measurement of the girth ofthe human body such as around the abdomen/waist is described. Theappliance 940 is illustrated for applications around the waist, but isgenerally applicable for the measurement of the girth of different partsof the body such as the arms, legs and other parts. The Intelligent PHMgirth monitor detail is further illustrated in the standalone blockdiagram labeled 940 which is also intended to show a belt buckle inwhich the mechanism and electronics is contained, the buckle unitcomprises of a functional sub block labeled 944 performing the functionsof appliance identification, antenna and transmitter/receiver includingan RFID; a functional sub block 941 for battery/line power; a functionalsub block 942 for input/output and controls, processor and storage; anda functional sub block 943 for display/audio, video and text. Theappliance 940 further comprises of a spring mechanism, S, labeled as 950providing a calibrated tension level that correlates to the length towhich the belt 951 is extended, thus providing a calibrated minimumpressure on the waist to accurately measure the girth without excessivepressure or too little of pressure. One side of the belt 951, labeled asA1 is attached to the measurement mechanism unit 940 enablingcommunication with the mechanism and electronics contained within unit940. The other end of the belt 951 comprises of a metallic contact A2,labeled 953. The insertion of the A2 end of the belt into the contact Blabeled as 947, of the unit 940 completes the circuit and enables themeasurement of the girth with a calibrated pressure being put on thewaist for enabling accurate measurement in conjunction with the springS, 950. The unit 940 further comprises of an antenna 945 and RFID Tagfunction within functional sub block 944, such that the intelligentgirth measurement appliance is enabled for association with a specificindividual or is identifiable distinctly if used by more than oneindividual. The unit 940 further has the capability for externalinput/output through the port 946. The intelligent girth measurementappliance 940 is enabled for communication by wired or wireless means980, with other external intelligent appliances 974, 975 and 976; with acentral server 977, a escrow server 978 and a network server 979; andwith a girth measurement printer 971, an external display 972 and alocal server 973 using the wired or wireless communication path 980. Thegirth measurement appliance 940 additionally is enabled forcommunication with an RF Tag 960 that is worn by the individual 930 touniquely identify the individual by means of the RF Tag 960 or by meansof the mobile device 910. The RF Tag 960 may be enabled for read only orfor read and write functions.

The individual 930 is enabled to wear the intelligent girth measurementappliance 940 for periodic measurements of the individual's girth oralternately is enabled to wear the appliance 940 as a belt such that thegirth is monitored and measured continuously or at selected intervals.The expansion and contraction of the waist is measured and is alsoenabled for correlation with the level of physical activity and theingestion of different types of food in a short period or over definedlonger periods of time. Individual's weight gain is not considerednecessarily detrimental to personal health, but when the weight gainresults in extended abdomen or paunch then the weight gain coupled withthe distribution of the weight over the body is a risk factor.Consequently the girth of an individual is a critical factor in managing

The intelligent appliance 940 is enabled for wearing by the individual930 and further transmits the girth data using wired or wirelesscommunication path 980 to the cellular telephone/mobile device, CT/MD910, wherein the mobile device comprises of a display 912, a keyboard911, an external input/output port 914 and an antenna 913. The mobiledevice is enabled for command and control of the intelligent girthmeasurement appliance 940 by keyboard, audible, voice and other meansand or is enabled for command and control independent of the mobiledevice 910. The girth measurement data generated by the appliance 940 isenabled for processing and storage internal to the appliance 940, and orfor processing and storage internal to the mobile device and or forprocessing and storage on one or more selected servers and or for use inconjunction with one or more other intelligent personal healthmanagement appliances. Consequently, the extended information residentwithin one or more devices/appliances and servers is co-related in aselected manner For example the girth measurement is related to weight,to height, to exercise, to the body mass index, to heart activity, toblood pressure, to medications and to the ingestion of different typesand the amounts of food. Additionally, the spurious factors such as thevariations in girth measurements due to the ingestion of foods thatproduce gas, bloating and flatulence are enabled for measurement andco-relation for managing a number of other discomfort causing and realrisk factors. As an example, individuals with Crohn's disease and withintestinal bowel disorders often suffer from bloating and distendedabdomens. Certain medications in addition to foods cause bloating anddistended abdomens. The appliance 940 further enables such subtlevariations to be measured, monitored and related to foods, medicationsand other health factors.

Intelligent Height Measurement Appliance:

Referring now to FIG. 10 in detail, the intelligent height measurementappliance 1000 in one preferred embodiment that measures the height bymechanical means, comprises of a planar base 1001 on which an individualstands for the accurate and precise measurement of height. The appliance1000 further comprises of internal functional blocks for performing oneor more functions such as display, audio, video, text; input, output andcontrols; a measurement mechanism, electronics, processor and storage;appliance identification including RF ID identification, antenna,transmitter/receiver, with the antenna specifically shown as 1004; abattery and or line power capability; a port 1003 for externalinputs/outputs; and a vertical rigid bar 1005 with spring S, 1002capability at one or both ends of the vertical bar. A horizontal bar1006 that is parallel to the base 1001 is enabled for movement up ordown on a track located on the vertical bar 1005 and is held in positionat one or more locations along the vertical bar 1005 by spring loadedmeans or mechanical means, counter balancing or other means. Thehorizontal bar 1006 is positioned by manual or automatic means over thetop of the head of the individual 1030 and is designed to stop uponencountering a calibrated amount of resistance to motion to enableaccurate measurement and to ensure personal safety. Upon sensing acalibrated resistance to the movement of the horizontal bar or uponsensing no motion of the horizontal bar the measurement mechanismdetermines the height with reference to the planar base 1001. Themeasured value is processed, stored and or communicated to one or moreexternal intelligent appliances 1083, 1084 and 1085; to the centralserver 1086, escrow server 1087 and the network server 1088; to theheight printer 1080, external display 1081 and the local server 1082.The appliance is enabled for wired or wireless communication by thecommunication path 1030 such that information is communicated to andfrom a desired appliance, device and servers including the mobile device1040 and the RF ID Tag 1020 which contains individual specificinformation and or on which results of the height measurements can bewritten into.

The mobile device 1030 is enabled for command and control by keyboardand other means and for processing and storage of the height data inconjunction with other information such as weight, foods ingested,exercise and other information contained in one or more databases withinthe mobile device, within one or more intelligent appliances, within oneor more servers and within the intelligent height measurement appliance1000 itself The height measurement results may be viewed on the displayof the appliance 1000 itself or on the vertical bar 1005 which hasgraduated height marking in one or more units, or on the mobile devicedisplay or on an external display or may be printed. The height ofindividuals is determined by genetics and to some controllable extent byproper diet as evidenced by the steady increase in height of differentpopulations as a result of improved diets.

In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, referring onceagain to FIG. 10 in detail, the horizontal bar 1006 is configured with alight source or a laser light source 1007, such that upon steady stategentle resting of the horizontal bar on the head of the individual abeam of light or laser light 1008, is beamed to another vertical bar1011 on which graduated height markings are provided in one or moreunits of measurement. The measured values may be visually observed andinput by voice or other means into the appliance 1000, the RFID 1020,the mobile device 1030 and other appliances and servers. Alternately inanother variation of this particular embodiment, the vertical bar 1011is enabled with a light detector, LD, 1009 such that the laser/lightbeam 1008 is detected and consequently the height is measured. As anexample, the light detector 1009 is coupled with the horizontal bar 1006such that the up and down motion of the horizontal bar 1006 causes acorresponding up and down motion of the light detector 1009 enabling theuse of only one light detector and extremely precise heightmeasurements.

Accurate and frequent measurement of height is necessary for pediatricapplications. The incidence of obesity in children is significant andthe management of the weight in relation to the height of a child is ofgreat importance, especially during the growth stage of children. Propernutrition ensures that children achieve their full height potentialwithout at the same time suffering from obesity. The ability forchildren and young adults to use a mobile device such as a cellulartelephone, PDA and other mobile devices to proactively track height,weight, nutrition and other factors and maintain detailed data bases forpersonal health management by his/her self or in conjunction with ahealth professional is enabled by the present invention. In addition,adults who have achieved full adult height can use the intelligentheight and weight measurement appliances to accurately calculate thebody mass index, BMI, which is an indicator of proper health and otherrisk factors that lead to heart infractions and stroke. The monitoringof the height and also the posture of adults is also relevant since thegait, posture and height are functions of factors such as osteoporosisthat result in loss of height due to number of factors including badposture.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and it should be understoodthat many modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe invention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A health management system, comprising: a networkconfigured for one or more of wired and wireless communications; a firstdevice that includes a personal health management appliance (PHMA)coupled to the network, the first device including a processor coupledto a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to receive biologicalparameters of a user and the processor is configured to transfer thebiological parameters over the network and to receive information overthe network; a second device coupled to the network, the second deviceincluding a second processor, wherein the second device includes one ormore of a second PHMA, a client device, and a server; an identificationdevice configured for carriage on the user, the identification deviceincluding one or more of a radio frequency (RF) tag and the clientdevice, wherein the identification device includes use information thatincludes one or more of a user profile and a user identification; anauthentication component coupled to one or more of the first device, thesecond device, and the identification device, the processing componentprocessing one or more of the biological parameters and otherinformation of the user to generate health information; and an interfacecoupled to the network and configured to allow controlled access to thebiological parameters and the health information.
 2. The system of claim1, comprising: an interface component coupled to the interface andconfigured to allow the user to manage the user's personal health in oneor more of a home environment, an office environment, an institutionalenvironment, and a transportation environment; and a gateway coupled tothe network, the gateway configured to couple a plurality of devicesincluding a plurality of PHMAs within an area.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the interface is configured for secure personal healthmonitoring and management by the user in conjunction with one or more ofthe first device, the second device, and the identification device. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the interface is configured to acquirebiometric identification information of the user, the biometricidentification information including one or more of audio, voice,handwriting, photograph, retinal, and fingerprint data, wherein theprocessing component uses the biometric identification information toenable access to the biological parameters.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the first device includes one or more of a personal digitalassistant (PDA), cellular telephone, portable computer (PC), and server.6. A health management system, comprising: a network configured for oneor more of wired and wireless communications; and at least one mobiledevice coupled to the network, the mobile device including a processorand a processing component configured as a personal health managementappliance (PHMA), the mobile device coupled to a sensor and aninterface, wherein the mobile device is configured to receive via thesensor biological parameters of a user, transfer the biologicalparameters over the network, and receive information via the network,wherein the interface is configured to acquire biometric identificationinformation of the user, the biometric information including one or moreof audio, voice, handwriting, photograph, retinal, and fingerprint dataof the user, wherein the processing component is configured to processone or more of the biological parameters and other information of theuser to generate health information, wherein the processing componentuses the biometric identification information to enable access to thebiological parameters and the health information, wherein the mobiledevice includes one or more of a personal digital assistant (PDA),cellular telephone, and portable computer (PC).
 7. The system of claim6, comprising an identification device configured for carriage on theuser, the identification device including one or more of an electronictag and a radio frequency (RF) tag, wherein the identification deviceincludes user information that includes one or more of a user profileand a user identification, wherein the processing component isconfigured to automatically recognize and communicate with theidentification device and authenticate the user with the userinformation received from the identification device.
 8. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the interface is configured to allow the user to selectone ore more levels of authentication and specify individuals authorizedto access one or more databases that include the biological parametersand the health information.
 9. The system of claim 6, wherein theprocessor is configured to transfer one or more of the biologicalparameters and health information via the network to at least one otherof the mobile devices.
 10. A device, comprising: a processor coupled toa processing component configured as a personal health managementappliance (PHMA); an interface coupled to the processor, the interfaceincluding one or more of an input/output device, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a touch-sensitive display, and a microphone, wherein theinterface is configured to allow a user to input command information andhealth query information; a sensor coupled to the processor thatreceives biological parameters of a body of a user; a memory devicecoupled to the processor, the memory device including at least onedatabase for storing the biological parameters; a communication deviceconfigured to request and receive health information from a remotedevice and to exchange information with the remote device in response toa user input via the interface; a comparator coupled to the processorand configured to compare the biological parameters with the healthinformation and generate a comparison result, wherein the healthinformation is one or more of received from the remote device and storedin the database; and a display coupled to the processor, the displayconfigured to present one or more of the biological parameters, thehealth information, and the comparison result.